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Carlisle and Workington footballers back breastfeeding campaign

Carlisle United and Workington Reds footballers have given their backing to a new breastfeeding campaign.

Carlisle players Andy Welsh, left, and Danny Livesey

Entitled Breastfeeding is a Team Effort, it aims to encourage men aged 25 to 35 to support women who breastfeed in public.

Mary Kiddy, consultant nurse public health and professional head of nursing for Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We have spoken to more than 100 men on the streets of Carlisle, Workington and Barrow and found that many have strong opinions over breastfeeding in public.

“Around a quarter of all men found breastfeeding uncomfortable or embarrassing.

“In Workington, 40 per cent of men would not or were unsure if they would encourage their partner to breastfeed and in Carlisle 20 per cent of men did not feel it was their responsibility to know how to support their partner with breastfeeding.

“We are hoping this campaign will encourage men to feel more comfortable with women breastfeeding in public, if that is how she chooses to feed her baby. We think this will make women feel less embarrassed and increase breastfeeding rates.”

The campaign highlights the many ways men can support their partner – from providing her with emotional support to helping her to discreetly feed in public if she feels embarrassed. Most importantly, it stresses the importance of complimenting her.

Breastfeeding is a Team Effort is fronted by Steve Stamper, a former Carlisle Rugby Club captain. and Martin Ostler, who plays for Barrow Raiders. Danny Livesey and Andy Welsh from Carlisle United also turned out to show their support.

Steve, 33, a self-employed property landlord with a two-year-old daughter called Emilia, said: “I agreed to support this campaign as it is something I believe in and am happy to stand up and say so. It is nothing to be embarrassed about.”